This ensures that the coaches can spend quality time with all players attending and are not overwhelmed with large camp numbers. Physically, Mendez is unlike any other high school football coach in the U.S. Mentally and emotionally, he's no different. He started as a manager on his Gilroy High School team as a freshman. Football coach without arms or legs inspires teamBorn without arms or legs, Rob Mendez was never able to play football, but that didn't stop him from pursuing his passion for the game as a coach.ESPN ( Google map, other maps) Mt. The football team won the 7A State Championship in 2001, 2002, and 2005. . 'Who says I can't?' Email Michael Furlong. "The Super Bowl of JV football," he says. "So I try to stay positive. WVSN instantly reached out to the 2025 class [] WVSN instantly reached out to the 2025 class prospect to find out more about his talks with WVU offensive line coach Matt Moore and his current mindset about his future. Three blocks in, a blue pickup driving in the other direction recognizes the wheelchair. Its classrooms are a melting pot. Mendez gains happiness and joy through helping others and that will be his message when he takes the podium for his acceptance speech. Mendez took over as the coach for Prospect Highs JV team, and led his players to an incredible 8-2 season. It's all good." I know I'm good for the kids. By Tuesday afternoon, he's back at Prospect for practice, apologizing to his players for Monday's absence. He can see how they've grown as players and people. But Mendez won't give up that easily. But I don't know what else to say. "Anything in the world that is worth doing, he's done it with his mind," Bob says. Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated currently ranks Manning as the No. "We live and die with each other," he says. It has given him a life otherwise inaccessible. "We are two very different people. Practice starts in a few days. ROB MENDEZ IS not only the most unique high school football coach in America, he's one of the most unique humans in the world. "Thank you," he says to me after his first sip. Now comes the opportunity to prove the school made a mistake. It showed him how much energy he draws from the kids. And those kids gave me the feeling that I can do anything." Prospect High School. Luis Lopez, the JV coach who worked with Mendez at the school, hugs Mendez. An assistant coach holds a whiteboard a few inches in front of Mendez. has become a motto for the Prospect Football teams and, of course, for Mendez. They just want to move, explore and live. The throw is too long, and the ball harmlessly caroms out of bounds. For now, I start with a topic far simpler: football. THE COLLEGE COACHES AT THE COLLEGE COACHES SHOWCASE CAMP ARE ON THE FIELD ALL DAY A few minutes later, he asks if I can follow him home. Pick a play, execute for a few seconds, take a break, pick another play and repeat. was something that was very much for me to always stick with and I hope people take away from it in a positive way where they are comfortable to motivate themselves to do whatever they want in life.". Doctors recommend surgery. Mendez operates his cellphone, attached to a stand on his wheelchair, with his nose and lips. Preston Gannaway for ESPN Head Coach: Dan DeBoeuf Assistant Coach: Tim Beishir, Jeff Collier, Matt Weber, Jim Argentine, Dan Keller Brock Collins, Sean Cummins Matt Weber Jeff Collier Jim Argentine Michael Watson Dominic Cannon Mike Naboltny Tom Whalen Erik Hammerstrom Dan Yeoman Shaun Cummins Dan Keller School Administration Principal: Greg Minter Athletic Director: Omar Alebiosu Athletic Secretary: Amy Nickel School Color: Columbia and Navy Nick Name: Knights Preston Gannaway for ESPN Make sense? We're going to fake it this way and then waggle out," he says. The time away from football has given Mendez a chance to reflect on his first season as a head coach. "I got it. If all goes well, a receiver should be open about 15 yards downfield right in front of the Prospect sideline. Tears begin to fall. The coach nods and says "thank you." They wanted Bob to see other babies born with disabilities. But Rob refuses because the upper belt limits his ability to access his phone and draw plays. ", "You don't need to apologize," Mendez says. Elk Grove Village, IL. He has scoliosis, which makes his spine look far more like an "S" than the "I." For the next 12 years, he worked as an assistant coach at five high schools, waiting for someone to believe in him as a head coach. "I kept thinking, 'How can this guy possibly coach?'" He can be reached at wayne.drehs@espn.com. I think he needs them just as much. "I wish more people were like that. He tells his offense he believes in them. Bob rushes his son to the hospital. Eighteen players from each playoff class were named to the team. Neither team has moved the ball all day, with the game's only points coming on a 35-yard Sobrato field goal three minutes earlier. Getting dressed. That's not me," Mendez says. He insists he's fine, and we order beers. It's only junior varsity. I'm in Las Vegas and there's some guy stumbling drunk, looks like he was just in a fight. In high school, his friends organized a 32-team Madden tournament. and Head Coaches) Prospect High School 801 W. Kensington Rd. ESPN, 247Sports and Rivals all rank the 5-10, 170-pound receiver as a four-star prospect but his high school coach, former UK defensive back Maurice "Moe" Douglass, is not sure that does him justice. In less than a minute he introduces himself, then me and strikes up a conversation. There is nothing to break his fall. "It wasn't very polite or sensitive. The other kids are special, too. And how does he deal with such a challenging life? We're going to fake it this way and then waggle out," he says. His friends stuffed pillows in his shirt and attached a board to the front of his chair so he could play goalie in street hockey tournaments. "When someone is born this way, this is their world," says Dr. Benjamin Mandac, Mendez's pediatric physical therapist who now is the head of that department at Kaiser Permanente in the Bay Area. Not until he nearly received a DUI driving Rob's handicapped accessible van did he realize the path he was on. I panic. He says if he had arms and legs he has no idea how his life would be different. Dear Coach Doe; My name is Joe Blow and I am asking you to consider me as a future prospect for the University Notre Dame football team. ", "Yes, Coach," the quarterback says. Cable obliged. But it isn't that simple. He learned how to draw and write using his mouth. It wasn't like there was a store to buy clothes or toys for children with no arms and legs. Three other players start chitchatting between reps. Mendez loses it. After. Sobrato is located across the street from his parents' home in Morgan Hill. The 6-foot-4, 185-pounder completed 60.1% of his passes last season for 5,275 . With the pen, Mendez draws the X's and O's of what the play is supposed to look like and why. A few days before Rob was born, doctors walked his father, Robert Mendez Sr., through the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit. "The Sobrato loss still bothers me," he says in February. Combing hair. IN HIS 30 years, Mendez can't recall a single dream in which he has had arms or legs. https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/02/rob-mendez-football-coach, Why hiring Sean Payton will require NFL teams to make an expensive trade with the Saints, Win or lose, the Bengals can prove Joe Mixon's 'big dog of the AFC' claim right against Buffalo, Trevor Lawrence revealed his Waffle House order after the Jaguars wild comeback win over Chargers, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Quote of the . Brushing teeth. "I think it always will." His head drops. Manning also ranks as the No. "How in the world am I supposed to handle that?" In fact, he will be honored at the 2019 ESPY Awards as the Jimmy V perseverance Award recipient and was on the cover of ESPN Magazine's heroes edition. They are teachers who coach on the side. Aleksic, Danilo ( Fr.) Mendez gives me directions. Encouraged the group to play for their teammates. Most days Mendez has chronic neck, back and shoulder pain. ", Mendez leans forward in his chair. "There was one word my dad never liked -- special," Mendez says. I turned around, took two to three steps and then I heard it.". Preston Gannaway for ESPN What do you want people to say about this team? Buddin is from Belleville, Michigan and was regarded as the 11th best player from the state during his senior year. And now for Odell Beckham Jr's next act When his friends played basketball, Rob was the referee. He reads, draws and spends extra time with family and friends. How to Be a High School Football Coach Download Article parts 1 Gaining the Necessary Skills 2 Landing a Job 3 Becoming a Great Coach Other Sections Related Articles References Co-authored by wikiHow Staff Last Updated: June 10, 2021 References Coaching high school football requires more than passion for the game. Randy Clark (class of 1975) . Mendez picks a spot at the bar next to two women. Eating breakfast. When coaches ask you to go on an official visit, paid for by the school's program, they're using their budget to show off their school and create an impressive experience for you as a recruit. Mendez was born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare congenital disorder that prevents the formation of limbs during embryonic development. You don't have a realistic view of your ability and playing level. He insists he's fine, and we order beers. And different is not bad. This is why WVU has already extended an offer to the Pickerington Central High School product from Ohio. They sit in front of us, untouched, for nearly 10 minutes. "I'm not the perfect guy. After his speech, Mendez asks for a ride home. "I don't think I could do that to those kids," he says. If Rob sensed someone staring, he'd roll up and introduce himself. "I wish more people were like that. He learned to press the buttons with his chin and collarbone. Scouts evaluate athletes as possible recruits. Follow him! I was a little nervous about it," Cable says. He rolls in wearing a plain white T-shirt and faded red San Francisco 49ers hat. You hear stories about people with cancer, fighting for their lives. They sit in front of us, untouched, for nearly 10 minutes. How High School Football Coaches Help Their Players Get Recruited Sanjay Kirpalani July 5, 2013 Dothan (Ala.) High School head coach Kelvis White is one example of prep coaches doing. The more successful Mendez is at proving he's just like everyone else, the more people put him on that pedestal, peg him as an inspiration and treat him, well, different from everyone else. No way. Can you lift me out of my chair?". Make sure to check your junk mail folder if you do not receive an email . I should have a wife by now. Mendez screams. On this day, one of his freshman quarterbacks struggles to grasp the footwork on the 37 stretch. Preston Gannaway for ESPN. 1. You guys fought your butts off. The green mile marker signs fly past on Highway 101. I'm in Las Vegas and there's some guy stumbling drunk, looks like he was just in a fight. Next year you'll be back in it, believe me." Elk Grove Village, IL. How could someone who had never held a football teach a freshman how to throw, tackle or block? The 14-year-old wraps his arms tightly around Mendez's back. "Think about it. In a little more than 12 hours, Prospect will play for the league JV championship. "The one thing that I want people to see is just how hard work pays off," Mendez said. But I'm 30 years old and a JV high school football coach. I lift him out of his chair and carry him to my car, buckling him into the passenger's seat. It isn't the first time Rob has fallen out of his chair. Mendez learned to diagram plays by using a pen in his mouth. It's only junior varsity. I've always wanted to be a head coach.". Coach seats are in a different section that prospect seats. The driver makes a U-turn, pulls in front of Mendez and flips on his hazards. He's meeting me at the bar. Without his wheelchair working properly, he can't raise its height to sit next to me at the bar. One dog's remarkable journey to find a home "There's no way," he says. Also by Wayne Drehs: Grounds for Return. The day-to-day blanks are easy for him to fill in. "Great job, Coach. He put the name into Google. "I'm pretty good at dealing with pain, and I didn't want to stay home feeling sorry for myself," he says. I agree it's a small percentage. "There you go!" Coach Reed, My name is Johnny Appleseed. In an earlier sworn deposition as part of a lawsuit filed by former Valdosta High football coach Alan Rodemaker, Nelson accused Propst of wanting $2,500 per month to pay for rent and other . I suggest we move to a lower table and make things easier. Any other details they should know (If you have previously attended the school's camp or met the coaches) Sample Introductory Email: To: Reed@email.edu, RecruitingCoordinator@email.edu, SecondAssistant@email.edu. This also ensures that prospects will have time to interact with the coaches and learn from them in a small group and one-on-one setting. He tells his offense he believes in them. "You know how Ironman gets in his suit and he just starts flying everywhere? He even got to call some plays. Mendez is hungry. This is one of the worst falls. His older sister, Jackie, pushed her brother to try new things and one day tucked a PlayStation controller under his chin. "It sounds so ridiculous, but it's true," he says. "I like the way I am, really," he says. "I got it. "You have to believe," he says. At that point, she says, abortion wasn't an option. Last April, the varsity coach at Prospect was looking for someone to help change the culture of the Prospect program when he came across Mendez's rsum. I just want to prove them wrong." Some might suggest he should be home, resting. But most importantly, it's given him an understanding of his journey in this world, a path untethered to anything anyone on the outside might say, think or believe. After a few minutes of conversation, Cable believed he had his man. They have to buy the fake. This life it just isn't always easy. ONE WEEK LATER, Prospect finishes its season 8-2 with a 19-13 victory over Yerba Buena. The time away from football has given Mendez a chance to reflect on his first season as a head coach. For now, he's still glowing from the impact his team had on him in his first JV season. Now the entire Prospect program circles around Mendez at midfield. And just like that, the man who so often projects like everything is fine rips off his facade. To this point, Bowling Green has also extended Buddin an offer. His parents connected him with Vujicic, who Mendez said told him he could make $25,000 per night as a motivational speaker. "And you're risking it all by not wearing an upper belt.". "How in the world am I supposed to handle that?" Rob leans forward in his chair to reach his cell phone. You're different. His greatest fear was failure. We make it to his home. A young boy holds open the door as Mendez approaches his favorite spot. For the past six years, Mike McAvoy has been Rob Mendez's caretaker, roommate and friend, each morning helping him with everything from taking a bath and brushing his teeth to getting dressed and eating breakfast. I haven't graduated college yet. he says. Getting dressed. How do you move a fully grown adult with no arms and legs? Mendez didnt allow his differences to limit him, though, and developed a passion for coaching by learning the game of football by playing Madden video games. For Rob, the message from his father was simple: Embrace your differences. He asks his quarterback for a hug. But after losing the season opener to Santa Clara, his Panthers won seven games in a row. But he's always there for the kids. He's like Norm from "Cheers." A very small percentage. "If I can go out there and power through four or five hours, then I'm OK.", Says McAvoy: "That's just him. With the help of adaptive technology, he went skiing. Keep your heads up. He knows what he has given his team. Helped North Kansas City to a . I don't sign up for being inspirational Rob.". Mendez hopes to someday have the opportunity to coach varsity. Call or Email the Football Office to acquire the 2022 Ticket Code. In most cases of tetra-amelia, death occurs before birth. "I was drinking to forget. Holding court, triggering laughs and helping people realize for a few minutes that a man in a wheelchair without arms and legs is just like anyone else. ", Physically, Mendez is unlike any other high school football coach in the U.S. Mentally and emotionally, he's no different. The World Series is on television. She says she couldn't look at her son for the first couple of weeks. "I think it always will." Prospect Info. ONE WEEK LATER, Prospect finishes its season 8-2 with a 19-13 victory over Yerba Buena. It's the second day of the team's sleep-at-school preseason camp, and the coach is trying to install one of his favorite plays: the 37 stretch. In the months that follow, Mendez unplugs from football. Once buckled, Mendez says he feels unstoppable. "But even before he could talk, I said, 'Somewhere, somebody is going to open a door for this kid and he's going to shine.'" He's had people who hear his story and then approach him in tears. They gave me a feeling of importance. I think he needs them just as much." Minorities make up 73 percent of the student body. He rolls in wearing a plain white T-shirt and faded red San Francisco 49ers hat. "We live and die with each other," he says. On convenience alone, it would have been the perfect place for him to coach forever. can show people to be happy with who you are and hopefully they understand the true meaning of it which is believing in yourself.". 2021 IHSA Football Playoffs. This is one of the worst falls. How does he eat? Rob's father saw potential in the happy, spunky baby, but also wrestled with his own emotions, admitting he often asked God "why?" "I'm not going to let that happen. His presence should tell anyone, if you're paying attention, that your mind is the most powerful thing. In high school, his friends organized a 32-team Madden tournament. Watch the 2019 ESPYS Awards only on ABC7 on July 10, 2019 at 5 p.m. PST. That man was Mike Cable. It showed him how much energy he draws from the kids. He needs to use the bathroom. Mendez says it started with the Madden video game. After a few minutes of conversation, he seemed like any other football coach having a beer on a Friday night. "I appreciate you," Mendez says. For the last few minutes of our ride, we both keep quiet. "Let's go!" But it isn't that simple. But Rob refuses because the upper belt limits his ability to access his phone and draw plays. A class of 2021 recruit, Buddin was considered a four-star prospect out of high school and a top 40 linebacker in the country, according to 247 Sports. This is the opportunity he has waited 12 years for, the one he long felt he deserved but worried would never come. It's a testament to his ability to be comfortable in any surrounding and put strangers at ease. Watch Later. SARATOGA, Calif. (KGO) -- Bay Area high school football coach Rob Mendez was born with a rare disorder called tetra-amelia syndrome, leaving him with no arms or legs. "I guess you saw a little bit of the other side tonight. Doctors recommend surgery. 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